Pain treatment: removing pain-causing factors, taking drugs
The treatment of physical pain (pain treatment) has benefited from the incredible medical advances the world has seen over the last century, and there are a wealth of different styles, strengths and types of pain relief available over-the-counter and on prescription.
There are also plenty of popular non-chemical treatments, such as relaxation and massage. Both of these activities are believed to be effective pain relief for those suffering as a result of cancer treatment, and in many cases are actively encouraged by physicians. Yoga and meditation are just two examples of pain-relieving relaxation techniques.
There are other, non-proven treatments, such as herbal medications and acupuncture, with plenty of anecdotal evidence to suggest that they are, at times, successful. You are advised to inform your doctor or physician of any medication - including herbal treatments – that you are taking before being prescribed any new pain relief.
In some cases, patients are prescribed pain relief before any other form of treatment. In other cases, a combination of drugs may be suggested; and other patients may be advised to simply purchase over-the-counter pain relief from a chemist.
Drugs which combat pain but do not contain aspirin are able to relieve headaches and less severe pain, but are not anti-inflammatory and, as such, are often used in conjunction with other drugs to increase their effect.
Aspirin-based drugs are known to relieve pain, reduce fevers and inflammation, and include Excedrin which also contains acetaminophen. There are other, steroidal and non-steroidal drugs which reduce swelling and fever, and relieve pain. Steroid-based pain relief is usually only available on prescription, and is used to treat the most severe levels of acute pain.
Pain relief drugs such as Ultram used to treat chronic and acute pain, including cancer pain, are often similar to or based on morphine and opioid substances. Morphine-like drugs are only available on prescription.
Anti-seizure medication is occasionally prescribed to alleviate the visceral pain in the abdomen, usually caused by damaged nerves. Anti-depressants are known to reduce some milder forms of pain, and allow the patient to sleep better at nights.